Copyright: Kerstin van Kan
The 28-year-old Ukrainian Vika collected donations for the Ukraine with an art campaign on the banks of the Rhine in Cologne.
The 28-year-old Ukrainian Vika had to flee her country because of the war and came to Cologne. Now she wants to help her home country in a very special way.
A young woman from Ukraine launched a fundraising campaign on Saturday (June 18): Together with her work of art “Spirit of Ukraine” she stood on the banks of the Rhine at Cologne Cathedral and collected donations.
As a motif, 28-year-old Vika chose a young and strong woman, who is meant to be a metaphor for Ukraine. Everyone who wanted to donate received a piece of paper with a word for any donation amount, this word could be artistically immortalized on the art motif.
Ukrainian woman draws artwork – and thus supports her country
Compared to EXPRESS.de, Vika explained why she decided on an artistic call for donations: “Painting is my hobby, so I express my feelings, that’s why I’m doing this.” political demonstration. I want people to see the words that represent our country.”
She was supported in the art campaign by her employer Avenga, who, in addition to Vika, employs a further 1,200 Ukrainians. With Avenga hilft eV, the company has also set up its own aid organization for the Ukraine.
A total of three weeks and eight hours a day, Vika worked on the picture, which should now be used for a good cause. Vika’s wish is to auction the painting and also donate the proceeds.
For Vika it is clear that her art campaign should not only be seen as another call for donations for Ukraine, she also wants to tell her story and share her own experiences. She says: “I know that some people are now a bit bored with all the information from Ukraine, but for us the war has not stopped.”
Vika was able to leave Ukraine, but her longtime friend is still there. The fear that he has to fight accompanies the 28-year-old every day.
Ukraine war: people have to leave their homes
The young Ukrainian says: “The world is united and we shouldn’t forget that. Some of my friends in Ukraine have lost their homes, their houses have been destroyed, many of them have died or their families.”
As a result of the war, Vika lost her home for the second time. She grew up in Donetsk, an eastern city in Ukraine, which she had to leave in 2014 and went west, where she built a life under sometimes difficult conditions. Her family emigrated to Poland.
Vika explained that many Ukrainians do not want to leave the country because of the war, but have to: “People no longer have a home, no more money because everything is closed. You have no choice but to go to Europe”.
She herself continues to hope that the war will end quickly so that families and friends can hug again and normality can return to Ukraine.